Keep using your iPad! American updates personal electronics policy

Last week the FAA relaxed the rules governing the use of personal electronic devices during takeoff and landing. The change wasn’t immediate, each airline had to first submit an implementation plan to the FAA for review and approval.

American’s plan was approved yesterday so now you can keep working, watching movies, listening to music, or playing games!

American Airlines Customers Will Have Gate-to-Gate Use of Handheld Portable Electronic Devices Beginning this Afternoon

American Airlines customers can read their e-books, finish reviewing work documents, listen to music or watch videos on handheld portable electronic devices (PEDs) gate to gate beginning at 5 p.m. CST today. American has obtained approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to allow customers to expand their use of PEDs onboard American’s entire mainline fleet as well as regional aircraft operated by American Eagle Airlines. American has worked closely with the FAA on this initiative.

Beginning this afternoon, customers on American’s mainline flights and flights operated by American Eagle Airlines will be able to use PEDs from gate to gate – including during taxi, takeoff and landing – within the United States. American is working closely with its other regional partners to bring the same level of electronic device access to customers on all regional flights by the end of the year.

Here’s some additional helpful information about PED use on American and American Eagle Airlines:

• When the aircraft doors are closed for departure, devices will need to be in airplane mode.

• Wi-Fi access on equipped aircraft will be available shortly after takeoff.

• Customers need to secure their handheld devices by holding them or placing them in a seatback pocket. Previously, these devices needed to be stowed under a seat or in an overhead bin during taxi, takeoff and landing.

• Because the safety of our customers and people is always our top priority, customers should listen to all safety briefings and comply with crewmember instructions. Our crewmembers don’t like to interrupt our customers’ productivity, but always want them to be safe.

• This change doesn’t apply to larger items such as laptops. These items will still need to be stowed during taxi, takeoff and landing.

• Some American Eagle flights won’t allow the expanded use of PEDs until later this year.

Phone calls remain banned by the Federal Communications Commission and Wi-fi is still restricted below 10,000 feet, but at least you can keep playing Temple Run or AiportGeek!